Green Spaces in Seoul

Seoul Forest

Often compared to New York’s Central Park, Seoul Forest is one of the city’s most spacious green spaces. Go there for a relaxing afternoon --- a leisurely stroll, a picnic sitting under the trees, an easy bike ride, or just stretch out on the lawn for people-watching.

This public park has wide, scenic paths, grassy meadows, gardens, and ponds. Also, a mirror lake reflecting the surrounding trees and mountains, a small butterfly garden, and an area to feed deer. You can see stunning cherry blossoms in the spring or fall season ginkgo trees turning gold. It’s a popular place for local families on weekends, so head there on a weekday if you want a more peaceful, less crowded experience.

What’s next? Have fun wandering around the cafes, galleries, and designer boutiques of industrial-chic Seongsu-dong nearby and stop for a coffee and tasty treat.

Bukhansan National Park

Seoul is one of the few capitals in the world that has a national park within its city limits. Imagine being able to breathe in fresh mountain air just a subway ride from downtown.

Bukhansan has dramatic granite peaks, lush forest, panoramic skyline views, and temples tucked into the mountainside. There are hikes for every level --- from gentle paths to more challenging rock climbs to the summit. On my visit, I was guided by a park ranger to a gradual trail perfect for a couple hours of hiking. It was an unexpected delight to follow stunning, hanging colorful paper lanterns (for the seasonal Lantern Festival) marking the entire trail. After passing rushing streams and ridgelines with amazing views of the city below, I reached a small, quiet temple. Peaceful and exhilarating at the same time, and one of my favorite spots on the trip!

It’s also fun to see locals of all ages out hiking, decked out in colorful, sporty gear.

What’s next? To rest and refuel, walk to a neighborhood café, tea house, or noodle soup shop in Eunpyeong-gu or Ui-dong.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

This 11-km (7-mi) stream runs right through downtown Seoul, but feels like a hidden green retreat. Perfect for a relaxed stroll, a quiet place to read, or a casual lunch break.

Once buried beneath an elevated highway, the restored stream is now a beautiful, serene spot to unwind. I bumped into it after spending a busy morning exploring Dongdaemun --- the futuristic Design Plaza, and the huge fashion district, a major hub for Korean and international designers, and K-fashion and culture. One minute, surrounded by traffic and crowds, and just a few steps below street level, you’re walking on a quiet, tree-lined path beside flowing water, carp, herons, small waterfalls, and stone crossings. I felt a sense of calm almost immediately.

What’s next? Return at night to enjoy soft, colorful lights, and seasonal festivals like the Lantern Festival, a completely different experience.

Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung

If you’re planning to go palace-hopping, pair it with peace and tranquility at the beautiful green spaces of these two palaces --- separated only by a wall but distinctive from each other. A memorable, unique experience is to wear hanbok (traditional Korean dress) while exploring these palaces, but confirm the hours when hanbok is allowed.

Changdeokgung, the second-largest royal palace in the city and one of the most popular, is known for the unique way its buildings are laid out in harmony with the natural terrain. At the rear of the palace is the Secret Garden (Huwon), a stunning, landscaped garden, about 78 acres, with pavilions, trees, flowers, and a lotus pond, set against the forest at the base of a mountain. Exclusive night tours are available during the full moon in spring and autumn, but tickets are rare and usually sold via lottery, so check for availability on the official palace website.

An easy add-on to your schedule is Changgyeonggung, a hidden gem right next door. This more modest and less crowded palace feels more like a spacious, serene park with wide lawns, gentle walking paths, and a variety of trees. Sit beside the scenic Chundangji pond, and visit Dae-onsil, the elegant glasshouse botanical garden from the early 20th century. For a special experience, take a beautifully lit nighttime tour of the palace.

What’s next? If you’re hungry, make your way to Gwangjang Market for an incredible variety of fantastic traditional Korean street food in a lively atmosphere.

Namsan Park

Right in the middle of Seoul, Namsan Park is home to Namsan Mountain, with the iconic N Seoul Tower rising above the city. An easy-to-get-to green space to truly appreciate the immense size and reach of the city.

There are many gentle walking trails to the top of the mountain, which offer 360-degree, sweeping, and breathtaking views across the entire city, the Han River, and surrounding mountains. A fun alternative is to take the cable car for a thrilling, steep ride up to the summit. The Observation Deck at the top of the tower has the best views, especially stunning at sunset. For a peaceful, less crowded experience, try going early in the morning, which still offers beautiful light. In spring, you can see soft pink cherry blossoms.

What’s next? Walk to nearby, bustling Myeongdong for all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and then sample the sweet, savory desserts at the street food market.

• Try adding even one or two of these green spaces to create breathing room in a busy travel schedule.

• Best times to visit Seoul for mild weather, beautiful natural scenery, and easy outdoor activities: Spring (March–May) and Fall (Sept–Nov). Tip: Try to avoid: Summer (June–Aug) usually very hot and humid with monsoon rain --- and Winter (Dec–Feb) often cold and snowy.

• Be prepared for peak tourist times during cherry blossom (early April) and ginkgo and fall foliage seasons (late Oct–early Nov). Cherry blossom season is intensely popular, drawing huge crowds over an especially short time period. With fall foliage season spread out over a longer time, crowds are less dense. Tip: For fewer crowds during these busy seasons, go the week before or after peak bloom times, early in the morning (before 9 am), or to less popular areas.

• Pack comfortable walking or hiking shoes.

• Try to use Seoul’s excellent, widespread subway and bus system if you can. Tip: To avoid congested traffic during peak hours, take the subway rather than a taxi, and carefully plan your route before you head out.

• Bring a bottle of water and a snack (or light lunch) for the day.

• Carry some won (local currency) in case credit or debit cards are not accepted at smaller local eateries or shops.

For more travel inspiration and insider recommendations, check out our Seoul page.